Moles–lots of people have them. Some people are troubled by the appearance of their moles, while others just embrace them, even calling them beauty marks. While you have very little control over whether or not you have moles, there are some things you should know about them. In this blog post, we will answer a few commonly asked questions about moles.

What are moles?

Moles are nothing to be alarmed about. They naturally occur when skin cells grow in a cluster instead of being spread out. According to WebMD, they can darken during teenage years, from sun exposure, and even during pregnancy. It is normal for an adult to have 10-40 moles.

Are my moles dangerous?

Most moles are benign, meaning they are not dangerous and not cancerous. However, some moles can become cancerous. Cancerous moles are usually the moles that appear after the age of 25, are irregular or large in shape, or that hurt, bleed, or ooze.

How do I know if a mole is cancerous?

If you are concerned about any of your moles, it is important to see a dermatologist or Dr. Stephen Weinman at FirstCare Medical Center and Essence MediSpa and have them checked out. If you have a lot of moles, you may want to consider a yearly appointment with a dermatologist to have a mole check. Pay attention to the sizes of your moles and if any of them are changing significantly, it is definitely worth having them looked at.

At Essence MediSpa, connected to FirstCare Medical Center, our providers are happy to answer any questions you have about any moles on your body as well as performing biopsies and removals including cosmetic removals. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or simply walk in to FirstCare.